Weighing Two Great Options: Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers

Sep 1, 2014 @ 09:00 AM — by James Stein

Cosmetic dentistry has come an incredibly long way over the past couple of decades, with even the most dramatic smile makeovers appearing more natural and lasting far longer than ever before. As two of the most transformative treatments in cosmetic dentistry, aesthetic dental bonding and custom crafted porcelain veneers have only increased in popularity in recent years. Both treatments yield remarkable results, especially when they are performed by a dentist with the experience, skill, and keen artistic eye of James M. Stein, DMD.

At the cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. Stein in Boston, dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers is an important topic of discussion during many consultations. Any patient who wants to improve the appearance of his or her smile, whether subtly or dramatically, should consider these two extraordinary treatments. While they offer similar benefits, most notably a vibrant, rejuvenated smile, they are quite different in many important ways. Which treatment is best suited to your needs and goals? The only way to find out for certain is to meet with Dr. Stein in a confidential, one-on-one consultation at his state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry office.

Comparing Dental Bonding to Porcelain Veneers

The purpose of dental bonding and porcelain veneers is precisely the same, namely to conceal cosmetic imperfections that can cause a person’s teeth to look worn, unhealthy, or damaged. Both treatments effectively conceal such flaws as cracks, chips, discoloration, conspicuous gaps between teeth, and inconsistencies in size or shape. Both treatments can yield remarkably natural-looking, extremely impressive results; however there are significant differences between the two:

Porcelain veneers: Veneers are custom crafted from medical-grade porcelain to cover the surfaces of the front teeth. Dr. Stein uses E4D CAD/CAM technology to create porcelain veneers in-office according to his exacting specifications. The resulting veneers are personalized to the individual patient so that they complement surrounding natural teeth in terms of size, shape, color, and even texture. Once placed, porcelain veneers blend seamlessly into the smile. Like natural tooth enamel, porcelain is translucent, which means that it allows some light to pass through its surface rather than simply reflecting it. As a result, porcelain restorations are the most natural-looking of all dental restorations.

Dental bonding: The dental bonding procedure involves the application of a malleable composite resin material directly onto the teeth. Unlike porcelain, this bonding material is not translucent; however, Dr. Stein can color and mold the material so that it looks extremely natural and blends in well with natural tooth matter. While less durable and true-to-life than porcelain veneers, dental bonding is also less expensive. In addition, while porcelain veneers require the removal of some enamel in order to accommodate their width and create a proper surface to which to bond, dental bonding does not necessitate any structural alterations to teeth.